Wind-resistant cover

ABSTRACT

A wind-resistant cover for pools, spas, water basins and other large outdoor water enclosures is provided which addresses the needs and provides the advantages outlined herein. The cover includes a perimeter stabilizer and, at least one somewhat concentric and buoyant inner stabilizer. The stabilizers are preferably joined by at least one connector, and joined with a canopy, which is affixed at least at the perimeter stabilizer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of provisional patent applicationSer. No. 62/175,722, filed Jun. 15, 2015, which is incorporated hereinby reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter described herein relates generally to pool covers andother similar enclosures for back yard pools, spas, basins and otheroutdoor surface-water-containing structures.

The typical back yard pool and other water-containing structures, suchas spas and basins, are generally in need of a cover, at least atcertain times, and in most geographic areas, during certain seasons.However, currently available pool covers generally prove deficient whenconfronted with high winds or wind gusts. The typical cover is subjectto being blown about and may even blow all or partially off the pool,when buffeted by strong winds, e.g., those exceeding about 60 mph ormore. Alternatively, when covers may be provided with, e.g., tie ropesor in-ground hooks or tie rods to counteract such winds, there use ishighly time consuming and expensive to apply, and obtrusive to use.Other issues with conventional pool covers include their difficulty ofinstallation; e.g., they frequently require more than one person to puton and take off, and/or take considerable time to install and remove.

What is needed, therefore, is a highly wind-resistant, yet, for its use,relatively lightweight cover which is easy to install, even by a singleperson, lacks complexity, is safe, durable, easy to store, yetreasonably inexpensive.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, a highly wind-resistant cover is provided which addressesthe needs and provides the advantages outlined herein. The coverincludes a perimeter and at least one inner, somewhat concentric andbuoyant stabilizer. The stabilizers are preferably joined by at leastone connector, and overlayed with a covering material, or canopy, whichis affixed at least to the perimeter stabilizer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The presently disclosed subject matter will be better understood fromreading the following description of non-limiting embodiments, withreference to the attached drawings, wherein below:

FIG. 1 is a top view of the wind-resistant pool cover of the inventionin accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded top down view of an embodiment of thepool cover shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3a is a depiction of the cross-section of the junction of theperimeter stabilizer 14 and a connector 16, showing the interconnectionbetween the two components in a preferred embodiment at “Section A-A” ofthe cover of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3b is a depiction of the point of cross section at Section A-A, ata greater scale of detail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofcertain embodiments will be better understood when read in conjunctionwith the appended drawings. As used herein, an element or step recitedin the singular and preceded with the word “a” or “a” should beunderstood as not excluding the plural of said elements or steps, unlesssuch exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to “oneembodiment” or “an embodiment” are not intended to be interpreted asexcluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporatethe recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to thecontrary, embodiments “comprising” or “having” an element or a pluralityof elements having a particular property may include additional suchelements not having that property.

Various embodiments as described and shown herein provide a highlywind-resistant, yet light-weight cover which is easy to install, even bya single person, lacks complexity, is durable, easy to store, enhancessafety, and yet is relatively less expensive to purchase for the typicalpool owner or manager.

Thus, the covers of the present invention offer an economical, lesslabor-intensive option to providing pool covers to those with elaboratetie-down ropes or hooks to mitigate against high winds.

A wind-resistant cover as described herein includes a perimeterstabilizer and at least one, at least somewhat concentric and fullybuoyant inner stabilizer, with a canopy material for covering a pool orsimilar structure, which is affixed to the perimeter stabilizer. Inpreferred embodiments, the stabilizers may be joined by one or moreconnectors.

Referring to the drawings, wherein corresponding numbers refer tocorresponding components throughout the various drawings, in anembodiment of the invention, the cover 100 (see FIGS. 1-3) has at leastone inner, somewhat concentric, stabilizer 12, a perimeter, somewhatconcentric stabilizer 14, both of which are sufficiently buoyant,preferably highly buoyant, to stay afloat in the pool or other outdoorwater container and to support the weight, e.g., of a large dog orchild, i.e., around 40-60 lbs. in most circumstances, who might climbonto the cover 100 for enhanced safety as it helps to keep them atop thesurface. The stabilizers 12, 14 may be joined together by one or moreconnectors 16, such as straps or tubes. The pool or other surfacecovering 18 may stretch over a substantial portion, nearly all or theentire surface of the cover 100 from, e.g., near or at the location ofthe inner stabilizer (or innermost, if multiple inner stabilizers areemployed) 12 to the perimeter stabilizer 14.

The cover 100 of the invention may have one (see FIG. 1), or a pluralityof (see FIG. 2), inner stabilizers 12 largely concentric to an innermostpoint of the pool or other outdoor water container, such as a spa orwater fountain. Should the pool or spa be circular, the innerstabilizer(s) is/are preferably also generally circular (see, e.g., FIG.1). In another embodiment, e.g., wherein the cover is for a rectangularpool, the inner stabilizer is preferably also generally rectangular instructure (not shown). In yet a third embodiment, e.g., wherein thecover is for an oval pool, the inner stabilizer(s) is preferably alsogenerally oval in shape (not shown).

The inner and outer or perimeter stabilizer(s) 12, 14 may be constructedof any material which is durable, flexible, and resilient. Additionally,the material used is preferably heat, ultraviolet ray, ozone andweather-resistant, fire retardant, relatively light, and made ofrecyclable material. Examples are polyvinyl chlorides and neoprenes. Anexemplary material is a neoprene tube, which may be filled with air toprovide pressurized stability when the cover 18 is installed over thepool and inflated. Another exemplary material for use for the tubing isethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), an M-class type of syntheticrubber.

Alternatively, the inner and outer or perimeter stabilizer(s) 12, 14 mayconsist of a hard foam or foam-like material which also providesbuoyancy to the cover. Exemplary of such materials are polyurethanes,polyamides and polyethers. Those skilled in the art will be aware ofpotential substitutions in such materials without departing from theteachings of the invention. The dimensions of the inner stabilizer(s)may vary considerably, depending on the nature of the pool or otherwater container to be covered, and the cover's particular intended use(e.g., depending on the particular geographic climate of intended saleand other rigors to be faced).

Exemplary dimensions for inner-tube style inner stabilizers includetubes having a diameter from about one to about six inches, morepreferably from about two to about five inches, and most preferably fromabout three to about four inches. For such inner-tube style innerstabilizers, the tube diameter may be, e.g., about 1/16^(th) to3/16^(th) inch, 3/32^(nd) inch to 5/32^(nd) inch, and about ⅛^(th) inch,and have a maximum pressure, e.g., of from about 5-10 lbs., about 6-9lbs., and about 7-8 lbs.

Although placement of the innermost inner stabilizer from the innermostpoint of the pool or other water container may vary considerably (e.g.,depending on whether there are additional “inner” stabilizers employed)and still accomplish its intended function, in preferred embodiments,the innermost stabilizer will form a “donut”, “inner rectangle” or otherconcentric figure around that innermost point (see FIG. 1), depending onthe geometric configuration of the particular pool, spa or other watercontainer. This allows any water contained in the pool, spa, etc., toact with a certain amount of suction effect upon the cover and assist inpulling it in a downwardly direction to provide even more protectionagainst the action of gusts of wind, while it remains buoyant atop thepool. Alternatively, the cover may be configured with multiple innerstabilizers, e.g., at least two, at least three and at least four innerstabilizers, and so forth, depending on factors such as the economies ofcover construction, the dimensions of the pool and the needs ofmilitating against more or less rugged weather conditions.

The perimeter stabilizer 14 may typically be structurally similar to orthe same as the inner stabilizer and can also vary substantiallydepending on the nature of the water container and the cover'sparticular intended use, although its dimensions are typically built toa slightly larger diameter to enhance its stabilizing effect. Exemplarydimensions for inflatable tube style perimeter stabilizers include tubeshaving a diameter from about four to about eight inches, more preferablyfrom about five to about seven inches, and most preferably about sixinches. In another embodiment for a cover for a twenty-six foot pool,the perimeter stabilizer 14 may have a diameter of from, e.g., about 2and ¾^(th) to about 4 and ¾^(th) inches, 3 and ½ to 4 and ¼ inches, andabout 3 and ¾ inches with an outer tube thickness of about 1/16^(th)inch. The outer or perimeter tube air pressure for this embodiment maybe, e.g., from about 2 to about 3 lbs., from 2 and ¼ to 2 and ¾ lbs.,and about 2 and ½ lbs.

Further, as with the inner stabilizers, the perimeter stabilizer may beconstructed of foam or foam-like materials of sufficient buoyancy toassist in keeping the cover afloat. See above.

Regardless of the specific material employed to construct the perimeterstabilizer, the perimeter stabilizer is preferably dimensioned so thatit comes substantially up to, and preferably, just to the lip of thewater-containing edge of the pool, spa or other structure, howeverdimensioned, leaving little uncovered pool surface area between the edgeof the cover and the pool's perimeter. In other words, in suchembodiment, the pool cover of the invention is form-fitted to thespecifications of the pool, e.g., by being configured so that thecover's perimeter just abuts the inside of the pool's water's edge whenthe pool is filled. By doing so, it serves to dynamically enhance theability of the cover to withstand wind gusts and high winds, in general.

In an alternative embodiment, to provide additional stability to thecover, the cover may include at least two inner stabilizers 12, see FIG.2, e.g., wherein each of the inner stabilizers (excepting the innermost)is somewhat concentric to, and larger in its perimeter dimension thanthe next most inner stabilizer, and somewhat concentric to, and smallerin its perimeter dimension than the next most outer (or the ultimateperimeter) stabilizer.

In a further embodiment, such as when employing a cover for use with,e.g., an inner patio, platform or a fountain basin, where a statue orother inner object must be accounted for, the cover may be dimensionedso that the statue or other object is not enclosed by the cover, butrather, the cover abuts to, e.g., the fountain statue's platform so thatthe circumference of the basin's inner platform forms the innercircumference of the cover with essentially a “carve out” 24 as to thearea of the inner platform. To facilitate installation of such a cover,the cover may include an opener in order to wrap the cover around thecentral object, such as by use of a zipper or hook and eye fasteners,may be applied to the cover at a convenient location (not shown) toassist in laying out and taking off the cover under such circumstances.One skilled in the art may adapt to and account for additionalconfigurations by applying the principles of the invention withoutdeparting from the teachings disclosed herein.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cover 100 has one ormore connectors 16, which may be straps or tubes which help maintain theintegrity of the cover and also serve as “spines” for the cover betweenthe inner and perimeter stabilizers, adding additional stability andwind resistance. In a particular embodiment, each of the innerstabilizer, perimeter stabilizer and connectors are air-fillableinflatable tubes (see, e.g., FIGS. 3a and 3b ) which may be filled withone, two or more built-in valve stems 20, e.g., at some position on theperimeter 14 and/or inner 12 stabilizer tubes. These valve stems 20 maythen be used to fill one or more other components of an inter-connectedtubing system (see FIGS. 1-2), e.g., using a 2 and ½ horsepower airblower, such as a Shop-Vac™. Alternatively, the tubing may be inflatedwith a ground fault circuit interrupting (GFCI) or a battery poweredpump, depending on the needs and circumstances of the pool owner ormanager. When the cover is to be removed and stored, the air blower flowmay be reversed and the air removed from inside the cover tubing todeflate it for removal and storage. Additionally, in certainembodiments, the connectors may be designed in interconnecting “grid”patterns between the connectors so as to, e.g., add further stability,or to provide a particular design, to a component of the cover.

Alternatively, the connectors may be made of polypropylene, polyester,nylon or other durable, lightweight, flexible straps, e.g., interwoven,sewed, glued into or onto the cover material or otherwise attached toconnect the inner and perimeter stabilizers. Such straps may be, e.g.,¼, ⅜, ½, ⅝, ¾, ⅞, 1, 1 and ¼, 1 and ½, 1 and ¾, and 2 in. in width,depending on the particular needs and material used.

In a particular embodiment, some or all of the stabilizers andconnectors are foldable or detachable at one or more points. The covercanopy, itself, may also be folded, e.g., as would be a tent. In thisembodiment, the pool cover may come as a kit in which the variouscomponents, e.g., are an assemblage of parts transported in a storagebag. Should the components include air-fillable tubes, an air blower forfilling and/or deflating the cover may also be included. In a particularembodiment, the canopy of the cover may be made principally of aflexible, lightweight, polypropylene material to aid in ease oftransport and assembly.

The material for the body or canopy of the cover 18 is preferably of ahighly durable, flexible, relatively lightweight, yet high-tensilestrength construction. Other attributes may include resistance to mildewand rot, UV light and chemicals. Examples of possible cover materials,which one skilled in the art would not necessarily be limited to, arepolyvinyls, polypropylenes, and nylons, in mesh, woven or solidmaterials. While various means for attaching the cover canopy to theperimeter and any other points of contact with the cover's structuralelements may be employed, such as, e.g., zip ties, a preferred method isto “sleeve” the canopy canvas to the outer perimeter stabilizer. Forexample, to “sleeve” the canopy canvas to an outer perimeter stabilizer,the canopy material is wrapped over the perimeter's edge and sewed backonto itself, creating a tightly bound fit. See, e.g., sleeve lining 22.

In certain embodiments, the canopy of the cover may employ features suchas shielding components which reduce ultraviolet rays, thus serving toincrease the life of the cover. Additionally, the cover may, optionally,be provided with solar panel or other heat-inducing units, orspecially-designed solar energy-capturing materials, known to thoseskilled in the art, so as to raise the temperature of the water underthe cover. In another embodiment, the canopy may have a striatedunderlayer 26 (see FIG. 2) to add strength, resiliency, and additionalwind-resistance. Further, the cover may be designed, screen-printed,painted, or otherwise manufactured to provide a particularly desirabledepiction, such as the pool owner's favorite football or other sportteam logo, a replica of a favorite vacation destination or any of manyother desired decorative or “statement” options.

In alternative embodiments, the wind-resistant cover of the invention isdevised to maximize the downward assistance provided by air currents andwater suction. For example, the cover may be configured so that the flowof air moves over the top of the pool's surface, is pulled down to thewaterline and across the top of the cover, but not underneath thewaterline, since there is no significant gap between the water andcover, thereby urging the cover in a downward direction to maintainconsistent pressure on the cover inhibiting its rising upwards.

In certain embodiments, some or all of the cover, connectors andstabilizers may be made of materials such as a woven polypropylenematerial, which allow water to be absorbed and pass therethrough intothe pool so that the cover surface remains relatively dry. Other suchmaterials, known to those skilled in this art, may be selected for thispurpose. This assists in the pool owner or manager's efforts to maintainthe pool, such as by easily blowing accumulated leaves and other debrisoff the cover with an air blower. Additionally, it assists in deflating,removing and conveniently placing the cover in a storage bag fitted forthe cover without requiring considerable effort.

Certain aspects of the use of the pool cover of the invention may beillustrated by the following example. The pool cover, employing durable,lightweight polypropylene canopy material is form-fitted, e.g., to abutthe lip of a 26-ft., largely circular above-ground pool. The perimeterstabilizer, a mid-pool inner stabilizer, and a donut-shaped inner-moststabilizer (about 3 feet in diameter), are all composed of air-fillabletubes and joined together by air-fillable, inter-connected connectors.The cover is part of a kit, pulled from its storage bag, and filled byan accompanying air blower, and placed atop the pool for use.

Thus, this invention in its various embodiments serves to address theneeds and provide the advantages as described above.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to beillustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-describedembodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination witheach other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt aparticular situation or material to the teachings of the variousembodiments of the invention without departing from their scope. Whilethe dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended todefine the parameters of the various embodiments of the invention, theembodiments are by no means limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Manyother embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art uponreviewing the above description. The scope of the various embodiments ofthe invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to theappended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which suchclaims are entitled.

This written description uses examples to disclose the variousembodiments of the invention, including the best mode, and also toenable any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodimentsof the invention, including making and using any devices or systems andperforming any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the variousembodiments of the invention is defined by the claims, and may includeother examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such otherexamples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if theexamples have structural elements that do not differ from the literallanguage of the claims, or if the examples include equivalent structuralelements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages ofthe claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cover comprising: a perimeter stabilizer and atleast one somewhat concentric and buoyant inner stabilizer, wherein thestabilizers are joined by a canopy which is affixed at least to theperimeter stabilizer.
 2. The cover according to claim 1 furthercomprising one or more connectors affixed to and joining together the atleast one inner stabilizer to the perimeter stabilizer.
 3. The coveraccording to claim 1 wherein the stabilizers comprise air-fillabletubes.
 4. The cover according to claim 1 wherein the stabilizerscomprise a foam-like material.
 5. The cover according to claim 2 whereinthe stabilizers and connectors are air-fillable tubes.
 6. The coveraccording to claim 5 wherein the air fillable tubes are interconnected.7. A kit for covering a pool or other large water container comprising:a cover, the cover comprising a perimeter stabilizer and at least onesomewhat concentric and buoyant inner stabilizer, wherein thestabilizers are joined by a canopy which is affixed at least to theperimeter stabilizer, wherein the stabilizers comprise air-fillabletubes, and a storage bag for the cover.
 8. The kit according to claim 7wherein the cover comprises a flexible, lightweight, polypropylenematerial.
 9. The kit according to claim 7 further comprising an airblower for filling the air-fillable tubes.
 10. A method for covering apool or other large water container comprising: placing a covercomprising a perimeter stabilizer and at least one somewhat concentricand buoyant inner stabilizer, wherein the stabilizers are joined by acanopy which is affixed at least to the perimeter stabilizer atop thepool or other large water container for use.